When I travel, the one place I expect to feel safe is the airport.
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Sure, I might be in store for long waits, possible delays, and seriously subpar food, but I at least know that those security lines and scanning technology are working in my favor.
There’s just one catch: cybercrime knows no bounds.
Using the invisible, vast world of the internet, savvy criminals can still access sensitive information—both personal and financial. In short, airport scams are real, and they can wreak havoc on your trip even before you land at your destination.
Worse, airport scams can be very difficult to spot, whether or not you’re a techy person. Even normally cautious and tech-smart travelers might slip up.
Want to dive into 2026 knowing which airport cybercrimes to look out for? Start with the most common airport scams, listed below.
Common airport scams that can wreak havoc on your trip
Connecting to public wi-fi
Every time you connect to public wi-fi at the airport, you open yourself up to data interceptions. Criminals can install fake wi-fi networks that look similar to the airport’s legitimate free wi-fi network. You click on it, thinking you’re joining the same network as other passengers. Instead, you’ve opened up your device and data to a stranger.
How to get around it: You can and should rely on public airport wi-fi—you just need to make sure you’re connecting to the right network. The easiest way to do that is to head to the airport’s website, which will include information on how to use its free wi-fi.
Most legitimate networks ask for your email, but otherwise don’t ask for personal information. To be extra careful, avoid making any sensitive transactions on public wi-fi, including inputting your credit card details to make a purchase, for example.
Automatic Bluetooth connections
Unfortunately, Bluetooth connections come with the same risks as connecting to the wrong airport wi-fi network. Worse, your device might automatically join open Bluetooth networks—meaning you won’t even know that your data is at risk.
How to get around it: Before going to the airport, turn off your Bluetooth settings and make sure they’re set to ‘non-discoverable’ mode. You should only be pairing your smartphone to trusted Bluetooth devices—whether at the airport or beyond.
Phishing using QR codes
Oddly placed QR codes or QR codes that are suddenly texted or emailed to you at the airport can be signs of a phishing code. A phishing code is a fake QR code that will take you to a website where your data could be compromised. Malware could even be installed, in some cases, leaving you open to hacking and loss of personal information.
How to get around it: This is one of the harder-to-spot airport scams out there—but it’s also one of the rarer. To stay safe, avoid scanning any QR codes that look old, faulty, or out of place. If you want to be extra cautious, you can also head to a restaurant or bar’s website to access a digital menu, for example.
If you’re ever texted or emailed a QR code, don’t scan or click on it—it’s likely fraudulent.
USB-C juice jacking
USB juice jacking refers to normal-looking USB ports in airports that are designed to put malware on your device. You head to a wall plug that looks normal, plug in your USB-C charger, and then wait for it to charge up. In the meantime, your data could be breached by malware.
How to get around it: Bring your own charging bank to the airport or charge your phone using your laptop. I usually rely on the latter, as I always travel with my laptop. If you use a charging bank instead, make sure you’re purchasing a high-quality battery pack and that you bring it on the plane in your carry-on. Lithium-ion batteries aren’t allowed in the cargo.
Add-on fees from unlicensed taxis & car rentals
Heading into unofficial and unlicensed taxis could open you up to being seriously overcharged. The same is true for rideshares that you don’t preschedule—you could be taken for a ride when it comes to dynamic charging.
If you’re renting a car at the airport, look closely at the add-on fees that you’re paying. Some of them might not apply to your rental. These types of airport scams are very common in Europe.
How to get around it: Pre-book your ride home or stick to a certified local taxi. If you’re renting a car, finish your booking and make your final payments before you pick up your car. That way, you won’t be talked into any unnecessary add-ons.
